| Apache Springs Camp | |
| Geographical information | |
| Elevation |
9,400' |
| Latitude |
36°26'16N |
| Longitude |
105°08'36W |
| Water |
Purified Spigot |
| Program description | |
| Program |
3D Archery, teepee tour, sweat lodge |
| Type |
Staffed Camp |
| Additional information | |
| [Source] | |
Apache Springs is a staffed camp in the southwest corner of Philmont.
There are 16 campsites and a purified spigot, and the camp offers 3D archery, tipi tours, flint knapping(making arrow heads), and sweat lodge. The evening program is a sunset meadow hike. The camp has tepees which the staff does not stay in, as of 2023.
Location and geography[]
History[]
Apache Springs was established as a layover staff camp in 1965 in response to the flood that damaged many of Fish Camp's buildings. Crews worked with conservation staff to restore and rebuild Fish Camp's buildings during their layovers. The camp's original program included survival skills, astronomy, and Fish Camp's displaced program of fly tying and fishing.
The camp went through many different programs before coming into its current Jicarilla Apache ethnology program in 1972. In 2002, Apache became a small commissary and operated out of a connex box until 2021. A full commissary and trading post was built for the 2020 summer, after Apache became a busier commissary than Phillips Junction in 2019.
Program[]
While not an interpretive history camp (staff are not dressed in period clothing), the program relates the history and culture of the Jicarilla Apache who inhabited the region up until the mid 19th century. The camp features a small "village" of teepees where talks are given on the history and lifestyle of the Jicarilla as well as the opportunity to handle genuine artifacts. Scouts have the opportunity to make real arrowheads and experience a "sweat lodge". Apache Springs has the backcountry's only archery course, as well as a commissary where crews can resupply food, and white gas as needed. It is also home to a trading post where a small selection of gear can be purchased. Apache Springs is also one of the locations where Scouts may be performing their required conservation project, as of 2019.